Meet New Books
Meet New Books

Books Like...

'And Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou is a collection of powerful poems that celebrate life, pride, love, struggles, and success. The poems focus on themes of uplifting oneself regardless of the situation, with a strong emphasis on empowerment and resilience. Maya Angelou's writing style is described as vivid, graceful, and emotionally impactful, touching on topics such as sexuality, gender, race, and poverty in a clear and vibrant manner.

If you liked And Still I Rise, here are the top 11 books to read next:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 11 
  1. #1

    Goldenrod: Poems by Maggie Smith
    Save:

    'Goldenrod: Poems' by Maggie Smith is a collection of 54 poems that delve into themes of parenthood, loss, isolation, and living in a world filled with trauma. The poems are deeply human, relatable, and thought-provoking. Maggie Smith's writing style is described as passionate, inspiring readers to savor each poem and reflect on their own emotions and experiences. captures the multitudes of the journey many individuals are on, especially mothers and women, making readers feel less alone in the world.

    Maggie Smith's poems in 'Goldenrod' touch on the mundane aspects of life and elevate them to eternal significance. The collection explores the tension between doubt, faith, and the struggle with God in times of trauma and loss. Through her poetry, Maggie Smith doesn't provide answers but rather invites readers to ponder life's complexities and uncertainties. also includes poems that reflect on personal experiences, such as the author's encounter with tinnitus, transforming a seemingly ordinary sound into a profound reflection on attention and awareness.


  2. #2

    Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou, Paul Gauguin, Linda Sunshine
    Save:

    Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou is a collection of powerful poems celebrating women. The book is described as a must-read for all women, filled with wisdom and inspiration that transcends generations. The poems within the collection bring women to life on the pages, empowering readers with messages of self-love, uniqueness, and strength. Maya Angelou's writing style is praised for its ability to ignite a fire within the soul and speak to the depths of one's being. The book covers themes of identity, self-acceptance, and perseverance, drawing on Maya Angelou's personal experiences and insights to create a profound impact on readers.

    Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman is highly recommended for its ability to resonate with readers on a deep emotional level. The book is praised for its beautiful artwork, powerful verses, and the way it celebrates the strength and uniqueness of women. Readers express admiration for Maya Angelou's writing, describing it as perfect, powerful, and impactful. The poems in the collection touch on various aspects of womanhood, from embracing one's differences to overcoming challenges and societal expectations. Overall, Phenomenal Woman is celebrated for its ability to inspire, uplift, and empower women of all ages.


  3. #3

    Good Bones by Maggie Smith
    Save:

    'Good Bones' by Maggie Smith is a collection of poetry that delves into themes of motherhood, divorce, tenderness, and outrage. The poems are described as full of heart and intelligence, with a focus on the balance of softness and strength required by mothers for their children. The book has been praised for its accessibility, beautiful imagery, and the way it resonates with readers on a deep emotional level. The writing style is noted for its honesty, joyfulness, and genuine reflections on life experiences.


  4. #4

    Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith
    Save:

    'Life on Mars' by Tracy K. Smith is a Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of poetry that delves into themes of space, death, birth, and relationships. The poems in this book are described as beautiful, haunting, and thought-provoking, with references to the cosmos, David Bowie, and the author's personal experiences. Smith's writing style is praised for being deep, approachable, emotional, and engaging, making the reader reflect on life's complexities and mysteries.


  5. #5

    Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
    Save:

    Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur is a collection of poetry and prose that delves into themes of survival, violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. Divided into four chapters, the book navigates through different pains and heartaches, offering a journey through life's bitter moments while finding sweetness within them. Kaur's writing style is described as raw, powerful, and emotional, providing readers with a glimpse into her personal experiences and struggles, particularly around issues of relationships, sexuality, and gender.

    we’ve been arguing more than we ought to. about things neither of us remember or care about cause that’s how we avoid the bigger questions. instead of asking why we don’t say i love you to one another...

  6. #6

    Pigs in Heaven - Greer Family by Barbara Kingsolver
    Save:

    In "Pigs in Heaven," the sequel to "The Bean Trees," Taylor and her adopted Cherokee daughter, Turtle, are faced with a legal and emotional struggle when the Cherokee Nation disputes Turtle's custody. The story delves into the themes of motherhood, family bonds, and the clash of cultures, all while exploring the moral dilemmas surrounding cross-cultural adoption. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, touching moments, and social commentary, offering a glimpse into Cherokee traditions and history.

    Barbara Kingsolver's writing style shines through in this novel, with her ability to create memorable and likable characters, evoke strong emotions, and tackle complex social issues with depth and sensitivity. The book weaves together different perspectives and storylines, drawing readers in with its engaging narrative and thought-provoking exploration of identity, love, and the importance of family.

    WOMEN ON THEIR OWN RUN in Alice’s family. This dawns on her with the unkindness of a heart attack and she sits up in bed to get a closer look at her thoughts, which have collected above her in the dar...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Greer Family )

  7. #7

    Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot
    Save:

    "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Eliot is a whimsical collection of poetry featuring humorous and imaginative verses about cats. The book served as the inspiration for the musical "Cats" and showcases various feline personalities and behaviors through clever rhymes and playful anecdotes. Written in a light and entertaining style, the poems capture the essence of cats in a fun and engaging manner, making it an enjoyable read for both children and adults.

    The book includes intricate drawings by Edward Gorey that complement the simple and silly poems, enhancing the overall reading experience. The poems are meant to be read aloud, and the illustrations add to the charm of the verses, creating a delightful combination of words and imagery that bring the quirky world of practical cats to life.


  8. #8

    Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg
    Save:

    'Howl and Other Poems' by Allen Ginsberg is a collection of poems that captures the essence of the Beat generation in the 1950s and 60s. The book delves into themes of rebellion, societal critique, and raw emotion, with a particular focus on the struggles and experiences of the youth during that era. Ginsberg's writing style is described as intense, raw, and passionate, drawing readers into a world of chaotic beauty and unfiltered truths.

    The book is known for its iconic opening poem, 'Howl,' which has been hailed as a masterpiece of 20th-century poetry. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Ginsberg paints a picture of a generation grappling with madness, societal pressures, and the search for meaning in a changing world. The collection also includes other poems that showcase Ginsberg's unique voice and his ability to capture the spirit of his time with honesty and depth.

    Peyote solidities of halls, backyard green tree cemetery dawns, wine drunkenness over the rooftops, storefront boroughs of teahead joyride neon blinking traffic light, sun and moon and tree vibrations...

  9. #9

    Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
    Save:

    'Leaves of Grass' by Walt Whitman is a collection of poems that explores themes of individualism, freewill, nature, spirituality, and the beauty of life. Whitman's writing style is described as free verse, with a focus on celebrating the common man and embracing all aspects of life. The book is praised for its optimistic tone, even when contemplating topics like death and grief. Whitman's work is seen as a diary of inner freedoms, filled with rich and sexually explicit desires, portraying him as a radical figure who was ahead of his time.

    True to this authorial role, Whitman’s “Song of Myself” is not about himself at all. While close to the beginning of the poem Whitman identifies himself in specific terms—I, now thirty-seven years old...

  10. #10

    East of Eden by John Steinbeck
    Save:

    East of Eden by John Steinbeck is a multigenerational family saga set in the Salinas Valley of California, revolving around the intertwined lives of the Hamilton and Trask families. The novel explores themes of good and evil, family dynamics, free will, and redemption, drawing parallels to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Through rich character development and vivid storytelling, Steinbeck delves deep into the complexities of human nature, relationships, and the pursuit of identity and purpose.

    The narrative weaves together the lives of various characters, showcasing their struggles, triumphs, and moral dilemmas across generations. Steinbeck's writing style is praised for its descriptive nature, character depth, and exploration of profound themes, making the reader reflect on the choices individuals make and the impact of those decisions on themselves and others.

    I remember my childhood names for grasses and secret flowers. I remember where a toad may live and what time the birds awaken in the summer—and what trees and seasons smelled like—how people looked an...

Page 1 of 2Next Page